Shooter Targets Catholic School In Minneapolis, Multiple Children Killed

Two children were killed and at least 17 people were wounded when a shooter opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning.

The gunman, who was in his early 20s, is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. During a press conference after the shooting, O’Hara said that the two children who were killed were ages 8 and 10. The shooter fired through church windows during school Mass, striking children and worshipers. The students were attending Mass at the Catholic church next to the school when the shooter opened fire.

The shooter was identified as Robin Westman, according to multiple reports. In 2020, Westman reportedly changed his name from Robert to Robin because he “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification,” according to a Minnesota government document shared online by Washington Free Beacon Editor Peter J. Hasson. Since Westman was a minor at the time of the name change, his mother had to sign the application.

The shooter was carrying a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and killed himself after firing “dozens of rounds” at innocent children, according to O’Hara. Police believe the shooter fired all three weapons. The shooter barricaded the students and staff in the church by placing a wooden plank against some of the side doors, in an attempt to prevent them from fleeing, O’Hara said.

The police chief added that 17 other people were wounded in the shooting, 14 of whom were children. One adult and six children are in critical condition, according to the Hennepin County Medical Center.

President Donald Trump said that he had been briefed on the shooting.

“The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”

The Richfield Police Department, which neighbors Minneapolis, said, “Police are responding to an active shooter call. Officers are reporting 20 victims. A man dressed in all black and armed with a rifle was reported at the scene. EMS has requested a Mass Casualty Response and fire crews are bringing in additional resources.”

“I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted on X. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific violence.”

I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information. The BCA and State Patrol are on scene.

I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 27, 2025

Police said the shooting was first reported at 8:27 a.m. local time, and more than 65 units responded. The church and school are located on the 500 block of West 54th Street in Minneapolis. Annunciation Catholic School serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Wednesday marked the school’s third day of the new school year.

This is a developing story; refresh the page for updates.